Dear Servant:

The Spirit of the Lord fell upon the place starting with our New Year’s Eve Worship Services and continued this past Sunday during our 8:30AM Extreme Makeover Church Wide Bible Study and 10:00AM worship service. My blog contained the following message this week: The awesome nature of God was made evident in our worship service this past Sunday. The aftershocks of the service still linger in my heart and spirit. God gave us thirty-three (33) new servants. What an awesome start to the year. I am reminded of the text that says, “Did our hearts not burn?” My heart was on fire. I think it had something to do with the lesson that we are doing on Wednesday evening in Midweek Service, “Love Pays Attention.” The lesson is about when we love someone - we listen to them and are fully present with them. Too many times, I am a victim of half-hearted listening and my attention being split here and there. My wife calls me out on my lack of attention and I have some work to do in this area. I believe that we were listening to God in service this past Sunday. I prepared a message, but I do not think God wanted it to be preached. I am determined that I am going to follow God. I said in my heart, “God I just want the people to be blessed. I do not care if you bless through music, or prayer, or me – I just want the people to go home with a blessing.” I listened and followed.

When you listen to God, then God will turn God’s face towards you. And when God turns God’s face toward you, then miracles and blessings will occur. After God blesses us, then God requires us to listen to other people to extend the same grace that we have received from God. Do you really listen to people? As a matter of fact, would you take time to blog your response to one or all of the following questions?

1.       Did you find it hard to stay with the person and not let your mind wander?

2.       What keeps you from listening effectively to another?

3.       Did you hear God speak while the person was speaking?

4.       Do you listen to the people in your family? Is it easier to listen to a stranger than your family?

Let’s start a dialogue on listening and see where it takes us. Blog me at www.theblvdblog.org.

NEW SERMON SERIES AND BIBLE STUDY

On this Sunday, January 11^th, I will be starting my new sermon series called “CHANGE – WE CAN BELIEVE IN”. This sermon series will help you deal with your New Year’s resolutions (lose weight, save money, eat right, get fit, help others, read the Bible more, quit bad habits, etc.). Why not make it easy on yourself and come discover how God will help you make needed CHANGES in your life. Click here for more information about our upcoming sermon and Bible study series.

Our New Year’s Sunday morning and Wednesday night Church-Wide Adult Bible Study series “EXTREME MAKEOVER” has had a very remarkable start. You really don’t want to miss our Church Wide Bible Study class this Sunday, January 11^th (in the Fellowship Hall) and Wednesday, January 14^th (in the Sanctuary). It’s extreme. It’s intense. It’s going to be life changing, that’s why we’re calling it EXTREME MAKEOVER! See the blog comment below:

“Last night, Pastor Frank allowed us time to do a listening exercise to build community. BRAVO! I learned more about my exercise partner in 10 minutes than I have in the two years we've been "pew mates". Our church needed this, we are so good about being loving and supportive during service, yet the minute some get to the parking lot it's "move out of my way!" Some of us are "jacked up" so I hope the extreme makeover will be just that. Pastor Frank, thank you for being God's vessel.”

Please make sure that you join Pastor Janae Pitts and me each Sunday and Wednesday through January 28^th for our Church-Wide Adult Bible Study series “EXTREME MAKEOVER” as we lead our entire church through the book, “Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: The life-giving power of community.” We’re teaching a new topic each day.  Purchase the book for $8.00 from our Bookstore on Sunday or Wednesday. Click here to view book summary. I want to see you there every Sunday AND Wednesday in January 2009!

Peace and Joy,

Pastor Frank

EXTREME MAKEOVER: CHURCH-WIDE BIBLE STUDY

Beginning Sunday, January 4^th through Wednesday, January 28^th, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Pitts will be leading our entire church through the book, “Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: The Life-Giving Power of Community” every Sunday at 8:30AM and Wednesday at 7:00PM. Purchase your copy today in the bookstore. For more information, contact Pastor Janae Pitts at 901.272.5630. Click here for the Bible Study Schedule.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The MBCC Nursery is in critical need of volunteers to serve during Sunday morning worship service. Without an adequate volunteer base we will not be able to provide quality service for our children; subsequently we may have to turn children away. For additional information, Reverend Nakeesha Weston at 901.272.5631.

MBCC FINANCIAL “U” REGISTRATION

Want a little help to navigate your financial situation and to understand how you can better manage your finances including credit and debt? Register for the MBCC Financial University. See Bettye Boone on Sunday near the bookstore for registration information. Seating is limited. For course descriptions, locations and other pertinent information, please click here.

VISITATION AND BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

If your loved one is hospitalized, confined at home, or in a nursing home, you may request visitation by calling 901.729.6222. Please report all emergency hospitalizations and bereavements to the “On-Call” phone number at 901.569.7729. Visit our website by click here to view our current sick and bereaved list. Continue to keep our sick and bereaved in your thoughts and prayers.

SHARE YOUR STORY

If you or someone you know has recent news on achievements, community involvement, or overcoming odds, go here and complete the online form. Although, we cannot promise that your story will be featured in eNews, we encourage you to keep submitting NEW stories of interest.

RADIO BROADCASTS

Every Sunday morning you can listen to us on WLOK (1340 AM) at 8AM and WDIA (1070 AM) at 10:30AM.

SERMON CDs

Purchase your copy of sermon CD’s for $10 on Sunday’s after our worship celebrations at two locations: Bellevue Lobby andMontgomery Lobby. You can also purchase copies during the week at the receptionist's desk.

WEEKLY WORSHIP SURVEY

We need you!!! Share your comments and feedback with our Worship Design team each week concerning your weekly worship experience. Click here after each worship service to give us your feedback by completing a short survey. You have until 11AM Monday morning to share your comments. Let us hear from you. Click and comment!

NEW BOOKSTORE HOURS

Sunday (8AM – 10AM and 12PM – 1PM); Wednesday (3:30PM – 7:30PM)

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

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